The Deal (London Suits 0.50)

Olivia: What?

Me: I told him I love him, and he said the same to me.

Olivia: Aves, I’m SO happy for you both.

Me: Me too. I had to tell you! But I’d better go now, got a sightseeing tour booked.

Olivia: Go have fun with your man and I want to hear all about it when you get back. Take lots of pics :)

Me: I will, speak soon x

Olivia: x

The next two days passed in a blur of sightseeing, eating and drinking, and, of course, Hamilton. Hands down, the best show I’d ever seen. Even Ethan enjoyed it. He’d never admit it, of course. What made it even better was the fact that he hadn’t worked once during the time we were away, not even checking his emails. His out-of-office auto response was on, and he seemed content to let everything go while we were away. He had arranged for us to go from a Friday to a Monday, so he’d only miss two days of work, but Delia had told me privately that it was the first time she could remember him taking time off without taking his work with him.

As the chauffeur-driven car moved through the city streets, Ethan took my hand, entwining my fingers with his, his other hand holding the newspaper he’d been reading in the hotel lobby.

We neared the Flatiron Building, and the driver slowed down, ready to stop so I could get out and snap some photos. Ethan put the paper down, turning his full attention to me. “You know, seeing New York through your eyes…you give me a whole new way of looking at the world. Making that deal with you to be my wedding date was the best deal I ever made.”

“I would have to agree with you there. Your fake girlfriend turned into your real girlfriend.” I smiled happily, squeezing his hand.

The car pulled over, and I hopped out, turning my phone camera on, and gestured to Ethan, who was still sitting inside, watching me with a smile on his face. He rolled his eyes good-naturedly and joined me.

“Are you going to insist on a selfie with me at every tourist spot?”

“Yes.”

“I thought so. Go on, then.”

He put his arms around me from behind, and I pulled his face down next to mine. He kissed my cheek while I took the photo, the Flatiron Building standing tall behind us. Truthfully, I don’t think he ever took selfies—he seemed a little uncomfortable posing for them but was happy to humour me. I wanted memories of every moment we spent in New York together. This was turning out to be the most amazing trip of my life.

Back in the car, Ethan picked up the thread of our previous conversation.

“Not just my girlfriend.”

At his softly spoken words, I leaned closer. “What do you mean?”

“You’re not just my girlfriend. You’re the woman I’ve fallen in love with. The most important person in my life.”

The sights of New York faded into the background as I looked into his dark eyes, my heart swelling with everything I felt for this man. “I love you, Ethan. I’m so glad we found each other.” Glancing down at the champagne bottle at our feet, nestled in a bucket of ice, I said, “I propose a toast. To us. To the future.”

“To us. And to many years of happiness to come.”

“Cheers.” We clinked our glasses together, and I managed not to spill any of my drink.

I’d call that a win.

THE END

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